11 Bangalore Specialfoodz

When in Bangalore, do as the Bangaloreans do… And we at Specialfoodz are doing everything possible for all travellers  citizens and passers-by to have the time of their lives when they visit the city by giving them and all our readers a list of the must-eat foods that is found only at the garden city.

Much like Mumbai and Delhi, Bangalore has its fair share of street food, street vendors, tea stalls and what not. If you haven’t eaten from at least a dozen street sides or so, you ain’t seen nothing of Bangalore. Much like it’s people, the food of Bangalore has a wide spectrum of cuisine, representing varied cultures such as North Indian, Chinese, South Indian, Muslim foods, Udupi Cuisine and of course, vegetarian cuisine and a host of other cuisines. Here-under is a list of specialfoodz that is a must have for Bangaloreans and visitors alike.

1.   The Masala Dosa – These pan cake like fritters are made using rice batter that is eaten with delicious, coconut chutney (gravy that is more or less solid in texture) and a potato dish that is laid out on the dosa which is later rolled up making it look mouthwatering and presentable so that one would pounce on it without a thought. The dosa has another accompaniment known as the sambar, also delicious and pleasing to the mouth. The sambar is a completely liquid curry. One simply has to take a piece of the dosa, dip it in to the chutney and then ceremoniously dip it into the Sambar right after to get the absolute taste.

2.   Bisi Bele Bath – This dish, usually eaten for breakfast, literally translated as hot, lentil rice is a sumptuous dish that is mainly sold in road side eateries. The lentil rice is mixed with various vegetables like carrot, beans, tomato, onion, potato and pumpkin and is semi solid in state making it very easy to swallow and chew even as it is piping hot and heavenly.

3.   Rava Idli – Although Idlis are famous throughout south India, Rava Idlis are best made and eaten in Bangalore and is the specialty of Karnataka. It is slightly different when compared to the classic idli. Whereas idlis are just made using a type of dal and rice, Rava Idlis are made using semolina which gives it a completely different flavor and taste.

4.   Pongal – Another semi-solid dish, that is again, eaten for breakfast, Pongal is a fast sell out dish that everybody wants a quick bite of. It consists of overly cooked rice mixed with water, Turmeric, green chillies, whole pepper, onion and ginger. A deadly combination, one might say that can send any new comer to high heaven.

5.   Upittu – A sort of porridge that is made out of roasted semolina with a mix of carrot, potato, beans and onion is a favorite for people who want a quick bite. Upittu is usually eaten with green chutney.

6.   Tandoori Chicken – The Muslim restaurants that line Frazer Town is famous for its Tandoori Chicken (Chicken that is grilled over a griller known as Tandoor). The chicken found here is unique in its flavor, taste and aroma. Distinctively pleasant, Tandoori Chicken is a must have if one is in Bangalore.

7.   Bangalorean Biryani – Although the Biryani in Bangalore has not been titled yet because it’s origins are a mix of Lucknowi, Hyderabadi, Malabari and Bhatkali Biryani, one usually finds haunts for this delectable treat in the confines of Frazer Town again.

8.   Shawarma – The awesomeness that is Arab Cuisine could all be placed perhaps in just these two dishes. Shawarmas are rolls packed with grilled chicken, mayonnaise, French fries, cabbage, onion and pepper and a host of other sauces that no one can discern but can ascertain to be delicious.

9.   Falafel – This middle eastern dish are actually deep fried yummilicious fritters made using fava beans or chickpeas. They are usually served in a pita, which acts as a hollow vessel to accommodate these delicious little things.

10.                 Sheek Kebabs – A specialty of the Shivajinagar area, sheek kebabs are meat that is grilled on a long stick to satisfy the appetite of potential meat lover.

11.                 Rumali Roti – These pancake like round or oval things are much like the rotis that are famous all throughout India. Whereas the classic rotis are made using wheat, Rumali rotis are made using flour and make it that much tastier. It is fun eating these long stretchy things as they are quite chewy and soft in the mouth